Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Interview with novelist Daniel Shields

Bio:
Daniel D. Shields was born and raised in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. He is the youngest of eight children and draws a lot of his inspiration from his family and friends. He graduated from Ramapo College in Mahwah, New Jersey, in 1990 with degrees in both communications and theater. While at Ramapo, his play "Beware the Wind" was the first student production in the history of the college to have a full set production.

In 2006, Shields co-founded LiquidWick Pool Cues. LiquidWick is famous for its "Patented" LiquidWick True Stick 24oz Power Break Pool Cue which utilizes proprietary "phase shifting technology" to help add power to the pool player's break.

Shields taps into his passion for billiards by using the sport as the backdrop of Shark & The Wolf: Predators and Prey. He enjoys travel and adventure and spending time with his Yorkie named Charlie. His fondness for animals, especially Charlie, is a source of inspiration for his work. Shields currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Daniel, welcome to Reviews and Interviews. Please tell us about your current release.
Hi Lisa, thank you granting me this interview. Shark & The Wolf: Predators and Prey is an allegorical novel about the exploitation of animals for the mere purpose of human sustenance and entertainment. The book actually brings the billiards term “Pool Shark” to life. Shark, the main character, also happens to have one hell of a killer smile. The story takes place in a world where certain species of animals have evolved both intellectually and physically side by side with humans. In its own small way I like to think it gives a voice to the other species we share this planet with.

The book brings the reader on a wild journey from Africa, to Key West, Fiji, South America, and finally Las Vegas. I’ll be the first to admit that it does contain some graphic violence. And all I can say about that is, the world we live in is a violent place. The sub-title Predators and Prey says it all.

At the end of the day, my hope is that the reader can let themselves be swept up into the exotic world the story takes place in. If they do that, then they will be taken for a ride on the wild side! I’ve included a brief synopsis below.

Book Synopsis
In Las Vegas, Nevada, Shaw, billionaire casino magnate and self proclaimed world's greatest showman, nears completion on the massive Serengeti Resort & Casino. Its amphitheater, the largest man made structure ever built, seats 500,000 spectators and covers an enclosed area of 1.5 miles. The arena floor is being transformed into an authentic slice of African savanna for the show Predators and Prey which will savagely pit animal against animal in the bloodiest gladiatorial spectacle ever created for human entertainment.

In Key West, Florida, Shark, the world's only Great White pool playing shark, gets hustled by the evil animal slave trading hyena, Old Jack, who dupes Shark into believing his girlfriend, a hot fox named Vixen, is in Fiji and needs his help retrieving a treasure. Old Jack's real plan - lure Shark to Fiji, use him to retrieve the submerged treasure, and then capture Shark, and sell him to Shaw, for use as the star and main attraction in the world's most brutal show.

"Come One - Come All To See - The Only Great White Shark In Captivity."

Shark is forced to battle animals and his human captives before trying to rescue his girl and seeking revenge on those that have wronged him. Will he succeed?

Shark will stop at nothing to protect his friends in this exotic world where humans remain the dominate species and animals are forced to be their obedient servants. Sit back and enjoy the wild ride!

What inspired you to write this book?
In 2006, I co-founded a billiards company called LiquidWick Pool Cues. My two favorite animals have always been sharks and wolves. I came up with the idea to bring the billiards term “Pool Shark” to life and since every good action / adventure story needs the main character to have a buddy, it was easy for me to add in Wolf. The book started slow, but then the writing took on a life of its own. It took about two years to complete between edits and rewrites.

What exciting story are you working on next?
That is a tough question. I have about five books inside me that are battling for my attention. The one I think is a top contender is main stream fiction about the horse racing industry. But who knows, I also have some cool concepts for supernatural ghost stories.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
My mother always told me I had a certain way with words. I was a theater major in college and got hooked on playwriting. My first play “Beware The Wind” was produced by the school as a full set production. There is nothing more surreal than sitting in the back of theater listening to actors speak your words and a live audience reacting to them. I was very fortunate to have had that experience. Shark & The Wolf: Predators and Prey is my first full length novel.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I was writing full time when I wrote Shark & The Wolf: Predators and Prey. I’m now back working full time so it’s kind of hard to find the time to write. I found pre-planning blocks of time to dedicate to writing helps. But, you never know when inspiration will strike!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I write quickly and spell check later. I have to give a lot of thanks to spell check and my editor William Greenleaf.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I had no clue to what I was going to do until college. My sixth grade teacher told my mother I lived in an imaginary world. Not much of a future in that unless you become a writer.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
If you take the time to read the book, then let me thank you in advance for your support. Readers can contact me directly with any questions at danshieldsauthor@gmail.com

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About Me

I'm a NH native and love New England. I love writing about the region, exploring it on foot, on my bicycle, and in my car. There are so many small communities and fun and interesting people in this area, that I could be here a lifetime and not do all it is I want to do. :)

I'm a moderator at The Writer's Chatroom that hosts live chats with guest authors on Sunday nights 7-9PM EST. Join the e-mail list to get notifications of upcoming guests, then stop in and join the conversation!